There's not much to the current Muskegon Area Transit System's Muskegon Heights passenger facility. The site has benches, and an enclosure so riders can get out of the elements while waiting to catch a bus.
The site lacks restrooms, heat, and a drinking fountain. The facility built as a temporary passenger facility may soon be replaced. MATS is in the early phases of a plan to build a new passenger transfer terminal in Muskegon Heights.
MATS is seeking input from city planners, community stakeholders, and riders. Two sites are under consideration at this point in the planning process. One is the existing site near the Muskegon Heights Farmer's Market. The second option would be to build a passenger facility at a city owned parking lot near Rowan Park on Maffett Street. That location is slightly closer to the city's downtown business corridor.
Riders in Muskegon Heights say either location is fine. However they do hope any new facility will have restrooms and heat. "Either place works as long as they provide a facility where we can stay warm and use the restroom," said Shamarri Howell, Muskegon Heights MATS rider.
"We should have a nice bus terminal for people," said Alice Williams, Muskegon Heights MATS rider. "We need a bathroom, especially in the winter we need heat."
"What we are hearing is our customers would like to see an improvement there," said Jim Koens, MATS System Manager. Koens says the existing facility in Muskegon Heights is a busy site where riders switch busses. "The existing facility was a temporary solution to serve us for five or six years," said Koens.
It was built more than eight years ago. Two community engagement workshops have been held to gather community feedback. "We are at conceptual design, looking at a around 2,000 to 2,400 square foot building with amenities for customers," said Koens. After one of the two sites is selected a site plan will be developed, and building design can begin.
The project would be funded with state and federal transportation grants. Because funding hasn't been secured the new passenger facility it's likely three years from being built.